An American businessman was standing at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish.

“How long it took you to catch them?” The American asked.

“Only a little while.” The Mexican replied.

“Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?” The American then asked.

“I have enough to support my family’s immediate needs.” The Mexican said.

“But,” The American then asked, “What do you do with the rest of your time?”

The Mexican fisherman said, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life, senor.”

The American scoffed, “I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds you buy a bigger boat, and with the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats.”

“Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the consumers, eventually opening your own can factory. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise.”

The Mexican fisherman asked, “But senor, how long will this all take?”

To which the American replied, “15-20 years.”

“But what then, senor?”

The American laughed and said, “That’s the best part. When the time is right you would announce an IPO (Initial Public Offering) and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions.”

“Millions, senor? Then what?”

The American said slowly, “Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take a siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos…”

~ Heinrich Boll (1963)

“That was a hot mess inside a dumpster fire inside a train wreck.” – Jake Tapper, CNN

I had seen some signs that we might have a raccoon visiting the back deck, so I set up the trail camera to see if I could catch him wandering through. I was really surprised to find we had a whole “Gaze” of them. I suspect it is a little family of three. I love raccoons and wanted to share in the hopes it might make your day a bit brighter.

This morning was awesome and so very apropos given today’s date. So, in celebration of my own liberation I say to you –

“Vive la liberté en cette journée de libération! Je vous souhaite le meilleur!”

** (Long live freedom on this day of liberation! I wish you the best!)

PS – I don’t speak French, so please forgive any grammatical errors… 😉

After much introspection during my recent sabbatical, I’ve decided to embark on a new journey. On August 11th, I will step down from my role as IT Director at the city, a position I will have held for thirteen years and one day.

This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. I’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible individuals, learning invaluable lessons (some of which were very unexpected), and contributing to my community and those who needed me.

Now, I find myself yearning for a fresh start, a new challenge. What that looks like, I’m not entirely sure yet. But what I do know is that it must align with my deeply-held values – the belief in the transformative power of technology, the importance of diversity, the courage to question the status quo, and above all, the practice of kindness. I’m seeking a role that excites me, nourishes my spirit, fuels my creativity, and allows me to share the wisdom I’ve accumulated over the past three decades with a people-first organization whose mission I truly believe in.

As I stand on the precipice of this new chapter, a quote by Lao Tzu resonates deeply with me:

“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”

I am thrilled about the possibilities that lie ahead and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.

We’ll keep a candle in the window to help guide you home.

Esta oración es para todos los viajeros.
Para los que comienzan en la belleza
y caen de la gracia,
quienes caminan tímidamente,
buscando la manera de volver.
Y para los que nacen en los márgenes,
viajando de un lugar liminal a otro,
cruzando fronteras
en busca del centro.

“Every single American — gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, transgender — every single American deserves to be treated equally in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of our society. It’s a pretty simple proposition.” — Barack Obama

Sharing some pictures that show the really beautiful 1864 Huntington Wagon Road near Maupin Oregon.

You won’t find any signs or trails leading to this part of the old road, but there is a more easily accessible section of the road closer to Bend Oregon. You can find more information here on the BLM’s site.

Exploring the hidden (lost?) sections of the old “Huntington Wagon Road” that was built in 1864 to connect The Dalles to Bend Oregon, we came upon some beautiful spring flowers that I wanted to share.